Big Fat Lies in The Skies

In the early afternoon hours of October 15th, 2009, millions of people around the world stopped what they were doing and watched a silver balloon a thousand feet in the air. It wasn’t so much floating as it was gliding, and whatever it was doing, it was doing it fast through the suburbs of Denver, Colorado.

Inside, reportedly, was an adorable six-year-old named Falcon Heene. Onlookers were horrified at the implications of what they were seeing – a little kid who is frightened, cold, and alone, floating through the air in a makeshift weather balloon. Or worse – he might’ve already fallen out.

The National Guard is deployed, the Denver International Airport is shut down, and all air traffic rerouted while we watch. And wait.

Finally, the balloon makes a soft landing in a field near Keenesburg, some 60 miles from where it started. Millions of people are holding their breath, waiting for the miracle – for the little boy to crawl out of the balloon unscathed, or maybe just a little bit bruised but in good spirits. And then… nothing. He’s not in there.

Falcon’s parents, Richard and Mayumi, appear in court.

What happens next is the subject of this week’s episode. We’ll get into everything: from vomiting on live television to avoiding deportation – from Wolf Blitzer to Wife Swap. Check it out via iTunes, TuneIn Radio, or just click the player below: